GuitarTuningsGuitartunings.

Drop D Guitar Tuner

Drop D
±0
D
Target: 73.4 Hz
-50WAITING+50
Waiting for sound
D73
A110
D147
G196
B247
E330

How to Tune to Drop D

The most popular alternate tuning in rock music. Drop D simply lowers the 6th string by one whole step from E to D, enabling powerful one-finger power chords on the lowest three strings while keeping all standard chord shapes intact on the upper strings. It's the gateway drug to alternate tunings — simple, versatile, and devastatingly effective.

Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 1 of 6 strings:

StringStandardTargetWhat to do
String 6E2D2Tune down a whole step
String 5A2A2Leave as is
String 4D3D3Leave as is
String 3G3G3Leave as is
String 2B3B3Leave as is
String 1E4E4Leave as is
Printable Drop D chart (PNG / PDF)
Fun Fact

Drop D is so prevalent that many modern rock and metal guitarists keep a dedicated guitar in Drop D at all times. The tuning was used long before rock music — classical composers and folk musicians have used scordatura (intentional mistuning) for centuries, and dropping the low string to D has been documented in guitar music since the 1800s.

String Tension & Setup Tips

Recommended Gauge:Standard gauges work perfectly — Drop D only changes one string by one whole step. 'Skinny Top Heavy Bottom' sets (.010-.052) are popular for players who want easier bending on the treble strings while maintaining a solid low D.

Gear for Drop D

Tools that make tuning to D - A - D - G - B - E easier.

D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

View tuner

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Drop D TuningAdvanced
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Drop D TuningIntermediate
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details
Drop D TuningBeginner
D - A - D - G - B - ENo Capo
Song Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tune to Drop D fast?
The quickest method: play your open 4th string (D) and then lower your 6th string until it matches, one octave lower. They should sound like the same note in different registers. You can also use the 7th fret harmonic on the dropped 6th string — it should match the 5th fret harmonic on the 5th string (A).
How to tune to Drop D by ear?
Play the open 4th string (D3 at 146.83 Hz) as a reference. Now slowly lower the 6th string from E until it's one octave below your 4th string — that's D2 at 73.42 Hz. When they're in tune, the two D notes will resonate together with no wobbling or beating. This takes about 10 seconds with practice.
What are the Drop D frequencies?
D2 = 73.42 Hz, A2 = 110.00 Hz, D3 = 146.83 Hz, G3 = 196.00 Hz, B3 = 246.94 Hz, E4 = 329.63 Hz. Only the 6th string changes from standard tuning — everything else stays exactly the same.
What tuning is Everlong in?
Yes, "Everlong" by Foo Fighters is in Drop D tuning. Dave Grohl uses this tuning extensively — other Foo Fighters songs in Drop D include "Monkey Wrench" and "All My Life." The tuning allows the heavy, chugging riff style that defines much of the band's sound.
How do power chords work in Drop D?
In Drop D, you can play a power chord by barring one finger across the lowest three strings at any fret. For example, barring all three at the 3rd fret gives you an F power chord. This is dramatically easier than the two or three-finger shapes required in standard tuning and allows fast, heavy riffing.